A school district in Texas is pushing back against a report shared on social media by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott claiming that the district refused to distribute copies of the U.S. Constitution to students. According to the report, Leander Independent School District (ISD) declined the documents because they were considered “political material” before later reversing the decision and accepting the copies of the Constitution. However, Leander ISD has clarified that the report is inaccurate and that the district has been accepting the donated pocket Constitutions since Friday.
Leander ISD responded to Governor Abbott’s post, stating that the information shared is not accurate. The district explained that their middle school campuses have been accepting the donation since Friday in recognition of Celebrate Freedom Week. In a statement, Leander ISD further explained that the copies of the Constitution were provided to students after determining how they aligned with the district’s policy. The district took some time to correctly determine how the donation of these materials fit with local policies and procedures. Initially, administrative staff considered the donation as an instructional resource, which requires meeting a higher standard of criteria before sharing with students. However, after determining that the material was non-school literature, the district allowed the distribution of the pocket-sized Constitutions. Leander ISD seeks to follow clear and consistent guidelines in their decision-making process.
A spokesperson for Governor Abbott, Andrew Mahaleris, expressed appreciation that students now have access to the copies of the Constitution. Mahaleris stated that there should be no question whether a public school in Texas teaches the U.S. Constitution. He further added that they are glad Leander ISD changed their policies after initially refusing to distribute the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
It is essential to ensure accurate reporting when it comes to educational policies and actions. Leander ISD has clarified that they have been accepting the donated pocket Constitutions and have provided them to students in accordance with their policy. The district’s commitment to following guidelines and providing students with access to important documents like the U.S. Constitution is commendable.
